Is Sake Gluten-Free? Here’s the Scoop on Ingredients, Brewing, and Making Safe Choices
Quick Answer: Yep! Most sake is gluten-free. It’s made with rice, water, and koji mold—which is the magic ingredient for fermentation—so there’s no gluten in the regular recipe. Now, this is great news for people with celiac or gluten sensitivities. Just keep in mind that flavored versions might contain gluten-based additives, so it’s best to double-check.
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If you’re one of those people who need to avoid gluten, you’re probably in the habit of double-checking everything you eat and drink. No surprise that you’d want to know about sake! It’s got a unique taste, a deep history, but does it fit into a gluten-free diet?
Good news—if you’re a sake fan, it’s typically gluten-free. Below, we’ll break down why that is and offer tips on how to choose a sake you can sip safely. And if you’re in Denver, Colorado Sake Co. has some great gluten-free options, too!
Though sometimes referred to as “rice wine,” sake is actually brewed more like beer. Made with rice, water, koji mold, and yeast, the final taste and character aren’t much like wine at all. Sake has played an important part in Japanese culture for centuries, from weddings to casual dinners.
For anyone with gluten intolerance, traditional sake is a safe choice. Colorado Sake Co. adheres to traditional brewing standards, keeping ingredients simple and flavors clean. Curious about what sake is (and isn’t)? Take a look at our article on What is rice wine?.
Sake is brewed from a few basic ingredients: rice, water, koji mold, and yeast. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Rice: Naturally gluten-free, rice provides the starch needed to make sake.
Koji Mold: This mold converts rice starch to sugar, which ferments into alcohol. It’s also gluten-free.
Yeast and Water: Common ingredients for brewing, neither of which contain gluten.
Brewed with these simple ingredients, traditional sake is gluten-free. However, some brands might add flavorings or other ingredients, so it’s a good idea to double-check if gluten sensitivity is a concern. Colorado Sake Co. sticks to these basics, ensuring their sake remains gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Yes, most sake is gluten-free, made with rice and koji mold. That’s great news for those who have to live gluten-free! However, some flavored sakes or lower-cost options may contain gluten-based additives. Generally, your safest bet is sticking to straightforward rice sakes like Junmai or other premium sakes. At Colorado Sake Co., you’ll find options that keep it simple, so you can sip confidently.
Sake comes in various styles, and knowing the differences can help if you’re gluten-free and want to choose safely:
Junmai Sake
This “pure rice” sake doesn’t contain added alcohol or flavorings, making it a safe gluten-free choice.
Premium Sake
Made from polished rice, this type is generally safe for those avoiding gluten.
Flavored or Specialty Sake
These may contain gluten, so be sure to check the ingredients list.
Want to learn more about types like Nigori sake? Check out our article on Nigori Sake 101.
Sake is brewed by fermenting rice, koji mold, and water. Unlike other spirits, sake isn’t distilled, so it retains the robust flavors and aromas of rice. With no gluten in the ingredients or brewing process, traditional sake is a safe option for those with gluten sensitivity. At Colorado Sake Co., we stick to traditional brewing to ensure a pure, high-quality sake. For more on how to taste sake, check out our Beginner's Guide to Sake Tasting.
Here are some quick tips for choosing a safe, gluten-free sake:
Look for Pure Rice Labels: A label reading “Junmai” or “pure rice” is usually a good indication that the sake is gluten-free.
Double-Check Flavored Sakes: If it’s flavored, be sure to check for gluten-containing ingredients.
When in Doubt, Ask: If unsure, ask the brewery or store for confirmation.
Colorado Sake Co. makes it easy with its pure and simple ingredients, so if gluten sensitivity is a concern, you’re in good hands here.
Sake isn’t the only Japanese drink that’s gluten-free. Here are a few others:
Shochu
A distilled spirit often made with rice, sweet potatoes, or sugar beets—all gluten-free.
Umeshu
This sweet plum wine is naturally gluten-free, making it a fun alternative to sake.
Both are great options if you want to try something beyond sake. For ideas on using sake in cocktails, refer to our or for inspiration check out our Sake Cocktails Guide.
Traditional sake is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten. Made with rice and koji mold only, there’s no need to worry about hidden gluten. Just check labels on flavored sakes for full assurance. Thanks to Colorado Sake Co.’s focus on quality, you can rest easy knowing their traditional sakes are an excellent gluten-free option. For more insights, see our Sake Insights page.
Is it safe for people with celiac disease to drink sake?
Yes, traditional sakes are gluten-free and generally safe for people with celiac disease as long as they don’t contain gluten-based additives.What types of sakes might contain gluten?
Flavored or lower-cost sakes may include gluten-based additives. It’s best to stick with “Junmai” or pure rice sakes.How do I find gluten-free sake?
Look for labels like “Junmai” or “Pure Rice.” If flavored, check the ingredient list.
Sake is a fantastic gluten-free drink that’s steeped in cultural history. Most traditional sakes are gluten-free by nature, thanks to their simple ingredients. And if you’re in Denver, Colorado Sake Co. has a great selection of Junmai and premium sakes, all carefully crafted. Cheers to gluten-free sake!